All-new Hyundai Kona introduced

On Monday, Hyundai Motor Company held a digital world premiere to unveil the all-new Kona, an upscaled multiplayer in the B-SUV segment, led by an all-electric variant (EV) that offers advanced safety and convenience features and class-leading range, according to the manufacturer.

Potential customers can choose from EV (standard or long range), hybrid, internal combustion engine (ICE) variants, and sporty N Line versions. As mentioned in an earlier article, Hyundai Motor developed the new Kona as an EV first, in line with the company’s March 2022 accelerated electrification strategy announcement that will bring 11 new Hyundai EVs to market by 2030.

‘Turning point’

“Kona Electric will play a major role alongside our Ioniq models in reinforcing Hyundai’s EV leadership. The new model builds on the great reputation of the first-generation Kona Electric and is designed and engineered to lead the competition with its many outstanding features,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company.

The CEO added: “At Hyundai, we don’t see the EV revolution as just the latest trend. We believe it is a pivot point for not only the industry but also for society. By implementing eco-friendly mobility solutions like our EVs, we hope to speed the transition to clean mobility and make progress for humanity.”

490 km range

Kona Electric delivers a class-leading all-electric range in the B-SUV segment (WLTP estimated at 490 km). It also comes with EV-specific design elements, including frunk storage, active air flaps, interior and exterior Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) outlets, Head-up Display (HUD, i-PEDAL driving mode, Smart Regenerative System, electronic-Active Sound Design (e-ASD), and an Eco Package.

Compared to the previous generation Kona, the new model has unique proportions with increased dimensions. Based on the EV variant, its length is now 4 355 mm, 175 mm longer than the previous generation in 2017, with a wheelbase of 2 660 mm, which is 60 mm longer. Its width is 1 825 mm, 25 mm wider, and its height is 20 mm taller at 1 575 mm. There are 466 liters of cargo room while seating five.

The new Kona has good aerodynamic performance with a drag coefficient of just 0,27. A Pixelated Seamless Horizon Lamp and Pixel graphics uniquely flourish the EV variant. The N Line versions boast black mirrors, a wing-type spoiler, an optional black roof, more aggressive front and rear designs with wing-shaped bumper to emphasize a lower stance, twin exhausts (ICE models), and a silver side skirt.

Two electric versions

The Kona will have two available battery packs (48 and 65 kWh) and feature two different engines. The standard version has a 114,6 kW/156 hp electric motor driving the front wheels; the long-range has a 160 kW /218 hp motor. Unlike the Ioniq 5, it has a more conventional 400 V electric architecture. Charging time at a DC charger takes about 40 minutes, from 10 to 80%.

With a bi-directional onboard charge, the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function can power any device or charge electrical equipment, with interior and exterior outlets for convenience. Inside, devices can be plugged into a standard outlet on the rear center console when the EV is powered on. Outside, devices and home appliances can be plugged in using a V2L adapter to use battery power when the car is parked.

The new i-PEDAL enables a driving mode that allows drivers to accelerate, decelerate and stop using only the accelerator pedal. In addition, the Smart Regenerative System automatically adjusts the amount of regenerative braking based on information from the forward traffic flow.

Over-the-air updates

The all-new Kona takes connectivity to the next level with continuous over-the-air (OTA) software updates, allowing car owners to save on cost and have their cars maintained with the latest software, providing an upgradable experience.

In addition, the car will be the first Hyundai model to apply the new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), which provides advanced graphics and enhanced unity among the vehicle displays.

According to the manufacturer, the second-generation Kona is also equipped with the next level of Hyundai SmartSense ADAS features that are mostly unavailable on most other B-SUVs.